Dogfight

The story begins with a Greyhound bus traveling to San Francisco during the vibrant Haight-Ashbury scene of the 1960s. As the bus rolls along, we meet the protagonist, Birdlace, a grizzled young man who appears worn down by the realities of war, particularly as Vietnam casualty numbers flash on the television.

In November 1963, Birdlace and his fellow Marines—known as the Four B's—prepare for their last night of freedom before they are deployed to Okinawa. They plan a twisted event called the 'Dogfight,' where they compete to find the least attractive date to bring, reinforcing their macho bravado.

Desperate to find a date, Birdlace stumbles into Rose's Coffee Shop to escape the rain. There, he meets Rose Jr., a bright and witty woman who challenges his superficial conversation but eventually agrees to accompany him to a 'party,' unaware of the true nature of the dogfight.

At the Dogfight, after witnessing Rose's discomfort and feeling a sense of regret, Birdlace unintentionally wins a consolation prize when she gets sick. Rose overhears a confrontation between another couple that reveals the dogfight's cruel nature, leading to her indignation towards Birdlace.

After their tumultuous experience at the Dogfight, Birdlace attempts to apologize to Rose by leaving a note on her window. He is met with her fiery refusal, yet she reluctantly agrees to dinner where he makes a charming gesture by borrowing a jacket for their night out.

During their date, Birdlace and Rose face challenges when they are denied entry to a fancy restaurant due to Birdlace's attire. In a lighthearted moment, they rouse an elderly couple to secure a proper jacket, cementing their growing bond amid their playful adventures through the city.

While Birdlace and Rose explore deeper emotions, his friends indulge in the reckless joys of their final night. They contrast sharply with Birdlace's budding romance, showcasing the divide between frivolous escapism and meaningful connection as they engage in debauchery.

Birdlace accompanies Rose to the Still Life Cafe, where she aspires to sing. Here, she performs a haunting rendition of 'What Have They Done to the Rain?' This moment signifies their deepening relationship and highlights the social changes surrounding them.

They share joyful moments playing arcade games, where they revel in an atmosphere filled with music machines, culminating in a tender dance. This intimate moment deepens their emotional connection, marking a significant change from their previous encounters.

The morning after their unforgettable night together, Rose hands Birdlace her address, expressing vulnerability. He runs away, unsure of his feelings, highlighting the conflict between his developing love for Rose and his military obligations.

At the bus station, Birdlace reunites with his fellow Marines who boast about their exploits, contrasting sharply with his personal introspection. This shift back to militaristic bravado shakes him, leading to a moment of clarity where he reflects on his night with Rose.

As the story progresses to 1966 in South Vietnam, the harsh realities of war set in. Birdlace suffers a leg injury during a shelling attack, while one of his closest friends is killed, marking a tragic turning point in his character's journey.

Haunted by the memories of war and his experiences, Birdlace finds himself returning to the streets of Haight Ashbury. The juxtaposition of his youthful days with the current reality reveals the emotional scars left from both love and loss.

Finally, Birdlace crosses paths with Rose once more. In a heartfelt reunion, they share a long, wordless embrace, acknowledging the stock that time and change have put upon their lives. This moment signifies hope for the future despite their challenging pasts.